Criminal case against three Israeli diplomats in New Delhi

A criminal case was registered against three Israeli diplomats for allegedly assaulting an immigration official at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, police said today. However, the trio could not be arrested by the police as they enjoy diplomatic immunity.

The incident took place yesterday afternoon around 1:30 PM at Terminal 3 of the airport when the three diplomats were headed for Kathmandu in Nepal. The three young diplomats had to wait for their immigration formalities to be completed as there was rush at the counter. Finally, when an official identified as Somveer was attending them, they accused him of being slow. An altercation broke out between them during which one of them slapped the official while the two others roughed him up, police said.

Airport officials informed police about the incident which soon reached the spot and questioned the trio who told them that they were Israeli diplomats and were headed to Nepal for a diplomatic mission. The entire incident was captured in CCTV camera and the footage has been preserved by the police for assistance in investigation. "A case under section 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) IPC has been registered against the three diplomats," the official said.

Police have informed the Israeli Embassy about the incident.

Asked about the further course of action in the case, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) M I Haider said, "Investigations are on as per prevailing norms and laws. It is a first of its kind incident here and to say anything about it will be premature. The Ministry of External Affairs will take a call on the issue."